Spied – IAB reader snaps the 2014 Fiat Linea facelift on test

Posted on: Dec 31, 2013 - 11:15am IST

Since its launch in the Indian market in 2008, the Fiat Linea has not seen cosmetic upgrades. The powertrain choices, a 1.4-liter petrol, a 1.3-liter diesel and a 1.4-liter T-JET petrol introduced later on, have also continued unaltered on this mid-size sedan.

The Linea facelift receives an updated front end with a new grille, bumper and re-profiled headlights.

Indian Autos Blog reader, Shatrughan Saxena, snapped these images of the 2014 Fiat Linea facelift while it was testing in Pune. Fiat India has tested the Linea facelift since August this year and we expect it to take its public bow at the upcoming Auto Expo (first week of February in Noida).

Image of the Fiat Linea facelift added for reference.

The refreshed Linea will sport an updated front fascia characterized by a new grille, a redesigned bumper with chrome highlights for the airdams, and re-profiled headlights. Don’t expect any changes to the side of the car, except for a new alloy wheel design maybe.

At the rear, designers have preferred to move the registration plate enclosure to the bootlid (its currently housed in the bumper), while the rear bumper bears a premium look with a thick chrome strip. Further changes in the refreshed Linea include an updated dashboard and a revised center console and instrument cluster.

The Linea facelift is expected to be announced at the Auto Expo.

Powering the petrol variants of the refreshed Linea would be the 1.4-liter T-Jet turbo-petrol engine, while the diesel models could source their power from the bigger 1.6-liter MultiJet engine, if the 1.3-liter MultiJet engine is not used.

Fiat needs to ensure that they get everything right with the Linea facelift, as the Linea’s segment will see a new entrant in the form of the 2014 Honda City diesel. Honda will launch the new City on January 7.

Fiat need to understand that following factors are important for market success in India 1) People’s perception that the car company will stay without shutting shop. 2) Small car companies like Fiat (In India) has to offer innovative schemes like 10 years warranty to establish confidence for the public, layoff benefits (like what Hyundai did in US to gain market share) 3) Near 0 % loans till increase market share to decent numbers 4) Assured cap on maintenance for 5 years 5) More models in small hatch/sedan segment 6) Mini SUV and MUV are fast growing segments. Half herted approach like cross punto will not work out